DANCING UNITED WITH THE STARZ ’18 LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT

The Tioga United Way’s Dancing United with the Starz ’18 was a great success thanks to their generous donors, sponsors, dancers, volunteers and supporters. On Saturday, December 1, 2018, more than 400 guests sparkled and swayed in Tioga Downs’ gorgeous grand ballroom in Nichols, NY. Over-the-top hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed while participating in an exciting balloon pop. Their attention was then brought to the dance floor where Masters of Ceremony, Lew Sauerbrey and Cate Pichany along with Disc Jockey, Mike Neil, kept the audience engaged and grooving.

Tioga United Way Executive Director, Carolyn Palladino, announced that Mr. Jeff Gural would, once again, match half of what was raised for the entire event. This clearly inspired the audience to reach deep down in their pockets and donate even more.

The highlight of the event was watching the 11 competing couples light up the dance floor. The couple who won the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy was Sabrina Slater, the Pastor of Christ the King Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Spencer, NY, and Merlin Joseph, Manager of Key Bank in Binghamton, NY who danced a salsa soca and wowed the audience. The couple who took home the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy and raised the most money was Tia Wright with her brother, Arthur Murray Instructor, Harrison Wright, who danced a Mambo with a fun Bollywood beat.

The total amount raised from the event surpassed their goal of $50,000 which will go toward the 34 agencies of the Tioga United Way. In attendance were NY Senator Fred Akshar, Mr.& Mrs. Jeff Gural, Tioga County Legislator, Marte Sauerbrey, as well as many friends and family who travelled from all over to support their favorite dancer.

The Tioga United Way would like to give special thanks to Jana Bowen, Anne Grant, Barbara Patten, Madison Hornick, Teresa McNamara, Connie Sternberg, Betsy Snyder and Jenny Ceccherelli for volunteering their time and energy to make this event a success. If you would like to learn more about the 34 agencies of the Tioga United Way or if you’d like to volunteer to help at the next big fundraiser, the Adult Spelling Bee, send an email to tiogaunitedway@stny.rr.com. Mark your calendars for Dancing United with the Starz ’19 scheduled for November 2, 2019.

In the meantime, the Tioga United Way is conducting their annual giving campaign to assist those most in need in Tioga County. To make a donation, go to tiogaunitedway.com.

Cast of Dancing United with the Starz 2018.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Winners of the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy Harrison and Tia Wright and Winners of the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy, Sabrina Slater and Merlin Joseph.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Tioga Downs & Casino Owner Jeff Gural. with Tioga United Way Executive Director, Carolyn Palladino.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Masters of Ceremony, Cate Pichany and Lew Sauerbrey.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Tioga Downs Casino & Resort General Manager Charlie Otto with instructor, Peggy Sayers.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Owner of Tioga Media, Ian Barrett-Sargent with instructor, Annie Graham.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Owner of Fuddy Duddy’s Suzan Williams with instructor Philip Herin.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Director of the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club, Jamie Holliday with instructor, John Silvela.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

WBNG TV’s Kara Conrad with instructor, Geraldo Iglesias.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Owner of Yaman’s Automotive, Joe Yaman with instructor Karen Harriell.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Chemung Canal Trust Company Branch Manager, Sarah Darling with instructor, Tim Sayers.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Lockheed Martin employee, Mike Kania channeling his inner Michael Jackson.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley

Dancing United guests, Owner of Tom Ash Agency, Jennifer Welch, Executive Director of Racker, Dan Brown and Executive Director of Tioga County Rural Ministry, Sister Mary O’Brien.

Photo credit: Andreea Earley